6-Day Private Tour from Guilin to Chongqing

Exploring China’s Scenic Treasures on a 6-Day Guilin to Chongqing Tour

If you’re craving an in-depth journey through some of China’s most iconic landscapes and cultural highlights, this 6-day private tour from Guilin to Chongqing offers a well-rounded experience. It combines scenic natural wonders with historical sites, all led by knowledgeable guides who make every stop more meaningful. From breathtaking karst formations to bustling old towns, this tour promises a glimpse into the diverse beauty of southern China.

What really stands out is the way the itinerary balances guided exploration with free time—perfect for travelers who want an immersive experience without feeling overwhelmed. The inclusion of transportation, entrance fees, and a bullet train from Guilin to Chongqing means you can focus on enjoying each moment. One thing to consider is that the entire trip is quite packed, which means early mornings and a fair amount of travel. This tour is best suited for active travelers who appreciate detailed sightseeing and value a thoughtfully curated route.

Key Points

Incredible Landscapes: From the Reed Flute Cave to the Li River and the Wulong natural bridges, the scenery is stunning and diverse.
Expert Guides: Knowledgeable guides bring context and stories to life, enriching your understanding of each site.
Comfort and Convenience: Private transportation, first-class train tickets, and all entrance fees included make for a smooth experience.
Authentic Cultural Touches: Visits to local villages, minority towns, and historic sites provide genuine cultural insights.
Flexible Free Time: Some evenings and afternoons are free, allowing you to explore or relax at your own pace.
Value for Money: With accommodations, transportation, guiding, and entry fees included, this tour offers a solid value for a comprehensive trip.

A Deep Dive into the 6-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Guilin and the Reed Flute Cave

Starting in Guilin, the tour kicks off around 9:30 a.m. with a pickup from your hotel—convenient and hassle-free. First stop is the Reed Flute Cave, a must-see for its extraordinary stalagmites and stalactites formations. Descriptions of the cave suggest you’ll be walking through what looks like a subterranean palace, with shapes resembling bamboo shoots, stone lions, and miniature forests. The cave’s lighting adds a layer of mystery, which guides interpret with romantic and interesting stories. Tourists often mention how the formations are “amazing” and the guide’s vivid narration makes it more engaging.

After about 40 minutes inside, you’ll move on to the Longji Rice Terraces, a highlight for anyone interested in agriculture, history, and incredible views. The drive takes about two hours, and upon arrival, you’ll purchase tickets for Ping’an Village. This area, famed for its Dragon’s Backbone Rice Terraces, is a visual masterpiece—narrow fields carved into the hillside, winding along curves that look like a dragon’s spine.

Walking through Ping’an Village, you’ll get a chance to see traditional wooden stilted houses of the Zhuang people. The moderate trek up to the village takes roughly 40 minutes, but don’t worry, the views are worth every step. After lunch and a stroll around, you’ll visit the No.2 Viewing Platform for a panoramic shot of the terraces, followed by the No.1 Viewing Platform, which offers a closer, flat-walking experience with stunning vistas. The guide’s on-hand storytelling about the terraces and local culture can turn a simple walk into an enriching lesson about centuries-old agricultural practices.

In the evening, you’re transferred back to Guilin, with free time to unwind or explore on your own. Many travelers note that this day offers a perfect blend of scenery and culture, with some calling it “a photographer’s dream.”

Day 2: Guilin to Yangshuo and the Li River Cruise

The second day begins early, with a pickup at 7:45 a.m. and a short drive to Zhujiang pier for the Li River cruise. Cruising on a 4-star boat with buffet lunch, the journey (about four hours) is often described as one of the most beautiful parts of the entire trip. The towering karst hills, winding river, and verdant valleys create a postcard-perfect landscape. Several reviews mention how the guide’s commentary adds depth, pointing out notable formations and stories behind the scenery.

Once in Yangshuo, the guide takes you to Xianggong Mountain, a top-notch vantage point. The climb is moderate—about 15 minutes—and offers what many consider the best view of the Li River’s famous 180-degree bend. The scenery from here is jaw-dropping, with some travelers saying it’s “the highlight of the day.”

Afterward, exploring Yangshuo town offers a laid-back vibe, with time to relax or explore local shops. The optional Impression Sanjie Liu show is a popular add-on, famous for its enchanting performance on the Li River, though you need to reserve tickets in advance.

Day 3: Bamboo Rafting and Local Towns

Day three continues to showcase Yangshuo’s charm with a bamboo boat ride along the Yulong River. This is praised as a peaceful way to see the countryside, with the guide emphasizing how relaxing and scenic the experience is—“sitting on the raft, you feel like part of the landscape,” one reviewer notes.

Next, you visit Fuli Ancient Town for a glimpse into rural life—walking through old streets, observing local markets, and spotting water buffalo near the river. Xingping Town, with its long history and stunning scenery that appears on the 20 RMB note, offers picturesque streets and local markets. Visitors love seeing the blend of old architecture and natural beauty, making this a tangible connection to China’s traditional past.

After a hearty lunch, the group heads to Guilin West Railway Station for a first-class train ride to Chongqing, which takes around five hours. Travelers generally find this a convenient way to cover the distance efficiently.

Day 4: The Wulong Karst and Natural Bridges

In Chongqing’s Wulong County, the landscape shifts dramatically—think spectacular stone bridges, caves, and gorges. The Wulong Karst area is famed for its Three Natural Bridges, which are breathtaking rock formations. Descriptions from travelers highlight the “majestic” nature of these structures, especially from movies like Transformers that showcase their grandeur.

The guide takes you through Furong Cave, Longshuixia Gap, and Fairy Mountain, but the main draw remains the Three Natural Bridges. Exploring their rugged beauty along the scenic paths offers a chance to appreciate how nature can craft such artful formations. Many note that the guides’ stories about the history and geology add meaningful context.

Day 5: Chongqing City Highlights

The day begins with cultural visits like the People’s Assembly Hall, a symbol of the city’s modern history. The guide’s detailed explanations about its significance add to the appreciation. The Stilwell Museum offers insight into China’s wartime history, and many find it fascinating to see how the city played a role during World War II.

A spicy lunch at Chongqing Hot Pot (steam bowel) is a hit with food lovers—many say it’s a “must-try” for anyone visiting the city. The afternoon includes a walk through Ciqikou, an old town neighborhood known for traditional crafts and local folklore. Ending at E’ling Park, the panoramic views of Chongqing’s skyline are spectacular—perfect for photos.

Day 6: Dazu Rock Carvings

The final day takes you to Dazu County, home to the famous Dazu Rock Carvings. These UNESCO-listed sculptures span from the late Tang to early Song dynasties, with intricate Buddhist and Taoist statues carved into cliffs. Travelers consistently mention how impressive the carvings are, and that walking among these ancient sculptures feels like stepping into a living history book.

Visiting Baodingshan, with its thousands of statues and narrative murals, offers a profound sense of artistry and devotion. After a satisfying traditional lunch, you’ll be driven back to Chongqing, concluding the trip.

Overall Value and Considerations

This tour covers a broad range of sights, from iconic natural landscapes to historic sites, all while offering the convenience of private transportation, guided explanations, and entrance fees included. The cost of $1,612.57 per person is reasonable given the comprehensive itinerary, transportation, and accommodations included—or at least the train and private guides.

However, it’s worth noting the intensity of the schedule. Early mornings, long drives, and packed days mean you’ll need good energy and a love for travel logistics. Some travelers might find the pace a bit brisk, especially with multiple sites in one day. Yet, for those who want an in-depth, well-organized exploration of this part of China, the tour manages to pack in a lot without feeling overly rushed.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This experience is ideal for travelers who appreciate a detailed and curated itinerary, enjoy guided storytelling, and want to see a wide variety of natural and cultural highlights in a short time. It suits those comfortable with active days, moderate walking, and some early starts. The inclusion of train travel adds a layer of convenience, but it’s best for those who don’t mind a full schedule.

It’s perfect for history buffs, landscape lovers, and anyone looking for a combination of scenic beauty and cultural insight. If you’re after a more relaxed pace or prefer to explore independently, this might feel a bit busy.

FAQs

Is transportation included? Yes, the tour includes private cars, a bullet train from Guilin to Chongqing, and local transfers throughout the trip.

Are entrance fees included? Absolutely, all site entrance tickets are covered, so no surprises when you arrive.

Does the tour include meals? Lunch is included on days 2 and 4, but dinner and hotel stays are not part of the package.

Can I customize the itinerary? This tour is private, so you can add days or customize certain parts, but the standard itinerary is as outlined.

What should I bring? Comfortable walking shoes, sun protection, and a camera are recommended. Some sites involve moderate trekking, especially in villages and viewpoints.

Is this tour suitable for children? Most travelers find it suitable for older children or teens, but keep in mind the active nature of some excursions.

How long are the travel times? Expect around 5 hours on the train from Guilin to Chongqing, plus several hours of driving each day.

Is the tour family-friendly? Yes, with private guides and flexible free time, it can be enjoyable for families, provided everyone is comfortable with the pace.

Final Thoughts

This 6-day Guilin to Chongqing tour offers a detailed and well-organized way to see some of China’s most captivating sights. The combination of natural marvels, historical sites, and vibrant local culture makes it a well-rounded experience. The guides’ knowledge and the scenic diversity ensure you’ll come away with a deeper appreciation of China’s landscape and heritage.

While it’s on the active side and requires energy, the convenience of private transport, included tickets, and tailored sightseeing makes it a great choice for travelers seeking efficiency and depth. Perfect for those who want to maximize their time and see the best of southern China in one trip.

If you’re ready for a packed, scenic adventure with expert guidance, this tour could be just what you need to make your China trip unforgettable.